OCTOBER 15: "The Changeling"

More delights from the stories of T. Crofton Croker (also author of The Rock of the Candle).  In this one the elves try and play one of their standard tricks on a human mother by switching her lovely baby child for one of their own number, who will undoubtably rain havoc upon their mortal existance.  But Mary Scannell is a wily lass, and knows well enough when she has been tricked.

A good story, and a gentle beginning to the week.  Coming up this week:  more Mary Oliver, William Butler Yeats and The Goblin Market.

The Changeling by T. Crofton Croker

Recording (c) Judith Cullen 2012
NOT for Commercial Use

OCTOBER 9: "The Rock of the Candle"



The actual Carrigogunnell Castle Ruin near Limerick


There's nothing that says "happy spookable month" like a story with an angry hag in it.  Coincidently, about 50% of Irish legends contain such a powerful, unsightly character.It is important to note that they are not always angry, and as frequently  are the source of great wisdom as they are the bane of the citizenry. 

Today's post comes from the folktales of T. Crofton Croker (1798-1854), which can be found many places, among them in a collection by Dover Publications titled Irish Fairy Legends.  It just goes to show you: be careful what you look at, and never leave home without your thrice enchanted magic cap!

The Rock of the Candle by T. Crofton Croker

Recording (c) Judith Cullen 2012
NOT for Commerical Use